Enjoy the irresistible balance of sweet and tart in these Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars. Made with a buttery oatmeal crust, fresh strawberries, and a crumbly topping, these versatile bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. They’re easy to prepare, customizable, and can even be made gluten-free!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The recipe uses simple pantry ingredients, making it easy to whip up anytime.
It’s versatile: enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even a sweet breakfast treat.
The combination of fresh strawberries and buttery crumble is irresistible.
It can be made gluten-free by substituting the flour for a gluten-free option.
These bars store well, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt.
Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the dry mixture and stir until it forms a crumbly texture. Reserve 1/2 cup of the mixture for the topping.
Press the remaining mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a crust.
In a separate bowl, mix the diced strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar. Toss until the strawberries are well coated.
Spread the strawberry mixture evenly over the crust.
Sprinkle the reserved oat crumble over the top of the strawberries.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the strawberry layer is bubbly.
Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment paper overhang. Slice into squares and serve.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 9 bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 210 kcal per bar
Variations
Mixed Berry Bars: Replace some of the strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry twist.
Citrus Burst: Add orange or lime zest to the crumble mixture for an extra zing.
Nutty Flavor: Mix in 1/4 cup chopped nuts like almonds or pecans into the topping for added crunch.
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free butter to make these bars vegan-friendly.
Jam Layer: Spread a thin layer of strawberry jam over the crust before adding the fresh strawberry mixture for an extra pop of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Warm the bars in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge.
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FAQs
How do I prevent the bars from being too crumbly?
Make sure to press the crust mixture firmly into the pan. This helps it hold together after baking.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them thoroughly before using to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as a 1:1 substitute for cornstarch.
Can I make these bars less sweet?
Reduce the sugar in the crust and strawberry mixture to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Do I have to let the bars cool completely before slicing?
Yes, cooling allows the layers to set properly and makes slicing much easier.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are a perfect treat for any occasion. The buttery crust, juicy strawberry filling, and crumbly topping create a delightful combination that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, they’re sure to be a hit! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a slice of sweetness.
📖 Recipe:
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Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 bars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buttery oatmeal crumble layered with juicy strawberries creates a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. These Strawberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. With their buttery crust and crumbly topping, they’re a treat that’s sure to please!
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup granulated sugar (for strawberries)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix oats, flour, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add melted butter and vanilla; stir until crumbly. Reserve 1/2 cup for topping.
- Press the remaining mixture into the prepared pan for the crust.
- Toss strawberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1/3 cup sugar. Spread over the crust.
- Sprinkle reserved crumble mixture on top.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool completely before slicing into squares.
Notes
Use gluten-free flour for a GF option.
For added crunch, mix in nuts like pecans or almonds.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: 9 bars
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9 bars
- Calories: 210 kcal
